The prospect of virtual gambling zones (virtual resorts)
* (under Future of Online Gambling in Australia) *
Context: digitalization and gamification of space
Online gambling is evolving from simple games to full-fledged digital ecosystems. The next step is virtual gambling zones, or "virtual resorts," where players move to a VR/AR space that combines elements of casinos, hotels, shows and tourist infrastructure.
For Australia, where tourism and gambling are traditionally closely linked, virtual resorts are opening up a new market that can attract not only local players, but also an international audience.
Virtual resort formats
1. VR casino
The player enters a three-dimensional space with halls of slots, roulettes and poker.
Ability to interact with other players through avatars.
Presence effect comparable to offline casinos.
2. Metavers Resorts
A gaming ecosystem that unites casinos, concerts, exhibitions and sports.
The ability to move around "virtual Las Vegas" and participate in various activities.
Support for NFTs and tokenized assets that serve as admission tickets or prizes.
3. Hybrid models
Linking virtual zones to real resorts: A tourist books a trip to Sydney or the Gold Coast and gets access to the VR space of the casino where the promo game takes place.
Using AR - supplementing real stay with virtual bonuses and activations.
Economic potential
New sources of income. Virtual tickets, NFT collections, in-game items are sold.
Attracting international players. Virtual resorts are available 24/7 without visa barriers.
Synergy with tourism. Virtual events motivate players to visit offline resorts in Australia.
Workplace creation. VR/AR content development, moderation, metaverse management.
Regulatory challenges
KYC и AML. Virtual avatars must be associated with the player's real identity.
Transparency mechanics. Game algorithms must be certified, including AI and VR randomizers.
Responsible play. Virtual spaces must contain self-control tools: time limits, notifications, BetStop locks.
Taxation. Cross-border transactions and NFT prizes will require new tax rules.
User experience
Immersion effect. Players feel the atmosphere of the resort without leaving their homes.
Social component. Chats, clubs and VR events form a sense of community.
Personalization. AI and big data adjust the virtual space to the interests of the player.
Outlook 2025-2027
The first pilot VR casinos with certification in Australia.
Launch of metavers resorts with integration into international B2B platforms.
Testing AR functions in real resorts (bonuses in real space through mobile AR applications).
Create common standards for VR/AR gambling regulation, including data protection, encryption, and transaction control.
Bottom line:
- Virtual gambling zones are a new format of online gambling that combines tourism, digital technologies and social experience. For Australia, they open a strategic path: from a local betting market to a global virtual entertainment hub. Success will depend on how quickly the industry can adopt VR/AR and the metaverse, while maintaining control, transparency and security.
